19 Troubleshooter: ODOT begins work on I-90 & West Blvd. exit ramp to slow down speeding cars from crashing into houses

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -There’s relief now for people living on West Boulevard as Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews start fixing a problem that has plagued some homeowners for decades: cars speeding off the exit ramp off I-90 and crashing right into homes.

Wednesday afternoon, Jimmy Rivera sat on his front steps enjoying the sunshine, something he hasn’t been able to do for decades.

“I mean, it’s incredible. You sit out here and any noise from any angle or passing car on West Blvd, you’re thinking somebody’s going to hit another house,” he said.

ODOT Crews started safety improvements on the I-90 East exit ramp at West Blvd Monday, this after multiple crashes into these homes over the years, one, after the other. Some of the crashes even caught on camera.

Including one late last month at Rivera’s sister’s home.

“Very frustrating, very frustrating. We need help. Something has to be done,” said Mildred Santana.

The neighbors have been meeting with city and state officials for the last year to speed up the process for a permanent fix but was told it would take some time.

But last week, Rivera and some of the other homeowners received an email from an engineer at ODOT informing them that after the latest crash, ODOT decided safety improvements in the area was an emergency and decided to take immediate action instead of waiting until next year. Officials tell 19 News the safety improvements will cost $400,000.

“ODOT was just as frustrated as the residents when the only bid on the project came in nearly twice the engineer’s estimate. We were committed to completing the project and while determining next steps another crash occurred and the decision was made to move forward with an emergency type project. There will be some noise and inconvenience during construction, so we ask for the resident’s patience. We do believe this is the best solution to help prevent cars from speeding down the exit ramp.”

ODOT closed the exit Monday and the plan is to put up a splitter island on the I-90 exit ramp and a raised median on West Blvd.

Officials tell 19 News the work is expected to be complete by the end of October, weather permitting.

Now, these longtime residents are grateful they can soon enjoy their homes without trepidation.

“Just thank God that nobody was hit with a car but it caused a lot of pain and a lot of suffering, it’s been hectic,” said Rivera. ”I pray to God it does work and nothing else happens but definitely more relieved they’re finally doing something here.” he said.

Detour signs are posted but here is what drivers need to know:

• I-90 east exit ramp to West Blvd./W.98th St. detour is W. 41st to I-90 west to West Blvd./W.98th St.
• West Blvd./W.98th southbound between North Marginal Rd. and South Marginal Rd. detour is Western Ave. to W. 100th to W.98th St. to Lorain Ave.

If you have a problem that you would like us to address, call our 19 Troubleshooter tipline at 216-250-1618.

Below is 19 News’ previous coverage:

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